Ingesta, comportamiento y hábitos alimentarios en escolares durante la emergencia sanitaria COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: The schedules, eating habits and lifestyle in general of the school population have been affected by the current health emergency, predisposing to an increased risk of developing overweight and obesity. Objective: To analyze the intake, behavior and eating habits related to obesity in schoolchildren in urban areas. Metodology: Cross-sectional design study, made up of a sample of 103 school-age boys and girls after the online application of the E-KINDEX instrument. Results: The school population of the ecuadorian highlands presents a risk of obesity during the health emergency regardless of sex, this risk is determined by some dietary practices such as the frequent consumption of bread, noodles, granola, fruit juices, sweets, soft drinks, sausages, the consumption of fried and processed foods; and certain habits such as skipping breakfast, the consumption of "fast foods" and snacks, especially in the afternoon. In addition, an inversely proportional relationship is evidenced between age and the total score of the instrument. Conclusion: The health emergency has predisposed the school population to a risk of obesity mainly due to the change in food intake and eating practices after confinement.